Rossi: I hope Marc has my 2001 troubles!

1 May 2014

Valentino Rossi has won eleven races in a season three times in his MotoGP career. The first of which, in 2001, reminds him of Marc Marquez's perfect start to this year's campaign.

"Marc reminds me a little of myself in 2001, the second season with the 500. Because I also won the first three races and I was very strong, very fast more-or-less everywhere," said Rossi at Jerez on Thursday.

2001 was the only year to date that seven time MotoGP champion Rossi has won the opening three rounds, but his struggles later in that season also give him hope that Marquez can still be caught.

"The comparison gives me some positive feelings, because I needed to fight to win the championship in 2001. I made mistakes, lost some races and at one point especially Biaggi was very strong and put me under a lot of pressure.

"This year's championship is still very long and I hope Marc also has those types of problems during the season!" smiled the Italian, prompting a jab from Marquez, sitting next to him.

Reigning champion Marquez shouldn't be too worried. Despite Rossi's mid-season troubles cutting his title lead to just ten points, he went on to win the championship by over 100 points from Max Biaggi.

Rossi, who starts this weekend third in the championship but already 34 points from Marquez, added:

"Marc dominated the first races, did always the pole position, so at this moment is the fastest guy on track. At this moment he is under control at little bit, because he knows he is a bit faster than us than me. Personally speaking I just have to try to go a little bit faster every corner and try to stay with him."